It’s no secret that Elks scholars are dedicated to academics and service, but they saw a whole new kind of dedication when they recently attended the Elks National Hoop Shoot Finals.

On April 28, three members of the Elks Scholar Advisory Board attended the Elks National Hoop Shoot Finals in Springfield, Mass. Maryann Slater, Jimmy Tomczak and Macy Warburton got the chance to see the finalists in action, meet dedicated Elks volunteers, and talk to families about their experience as Elks scholars.

“The contest was run wonderfully,” says Macy. “I had an amazing time, and I am so thankful I was able to attend.”

During the weekend, the Elks scholars helped chaperone the contestants. They were amazed at the skill and hard work the 8- to 13-year-olds exhibited while shooting their free throws.

“I had never really understood the grandeur of the Hoop Shoot, but this weekend really put it all into perspective for me,” says Maryann. “I was so impressed with the finalists’ skills and how they carried themselves.”

Both Maryann and Macy volunteered at state Hoop Shoot contests in the months leading up to the National Finals, so they got to catch up with contestants from their home states and wish them good luck.

The Elks scholars also visited the Basketball Hall of Fame with the contestants and their families. At the Hall of Fame, they snapped photos with the kids and even put their own free throw skills to the test.

When the finalists weren’t shooting free throws, Macy, Maryann and Jimmy talked to the kids and their families about life as an Elks scholar and how they can benefit from ENF scholarships when they get older.

“I loved the opportunity to talk to people from all over the country,” says Maryann. “The kids were so great!”

We’re glad Macy, Maryann and Jimmy had the opportunity to show the finalists and their families that the Elks will be there, too, when it is time to go to college.

Through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Foundation teaches kids the value of hard work and good sportsmanship. In 2012-13, the ENF allocated $748,055 to fund this program. For more information on the Hoop Shoot, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot. For more information about our scholarship programs, please visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars.